It didn’t take the UFC long to find a replacement for Josh Koscheck after news broke last night pertaining to the polarizing welterweight’s withdrawal from a September 1 scrap with Jake Ellenberger due to a bulging disc in his back. The two were set to serve as the co-headliner at UFC 151.
According to a report from MMAJunkie, Strikeforce/Bellator veteran Jay Hieron will step into the vacancy and make his return to the Octagon after a seven-year stint in other organizations. Ellenberger and Hieron fought under the IFL banner in 2006 with the latter emerging with a Unanimous Decision victory.
Hieron has won eleven of his last twelve tilts with the lone exception being a razor-thin outpointing at the hands of Bellator champion Ben Askren. Over the span the 23-5 Hieron picked up wins against the likes of Joe Riggs, Jesse Taylor, and Jason High.
“The Juggernaut” is coming off a loss to Martin Kampmann, Hieron’s close friend and teammate, snapping an impressive run of his own including six straight inside the Octagon. Ellenberger holds an overall record of 27-6 with success against Diego Sanchez, Pat Healy, Mike Pyle, and Jake Shields.
UFC 151 is headlined by Jon Jones light heavyweight title-defense against Dan Henderson. It is believed Hieron-Ellenberger will still fill the co-headlining slot.
PHOTO CREDIT – BELLATOR/UFC
Grant Campbell Gesias JZ Calvancante Luiz Cane Dos Caras Jr Phil Cardella
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